Hyundai looks to crossovers for relief

Utility vehicles could usher in more plug-ins

Hyundai's dependence on a car-heavy lineup has been a weight on its sales all year. Some of that weight will begin to lift in the next year or two as the brand rolls out a new subcompact crossover and redesigns of its midsize and large crossovers. Those utility vehicles also could usher in more electrified powertrains.

Accent: Hyundai's subcompact car gets a redesign this fall for the 2018 model year, but as a sedan only. Hyundai shoppers who want a small hatch will be diverted to the new Kona crossover. The Accent sedan picks up clean, more refined styling that mimics the larger Elantra and Sonata. It's powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic gearbox. A rearview camera, 5-inch touch screen and automatic emergency braking are standard. Look for a freshening in 2020 for the 2021 model year.

Elantra: The compact got a Sport model for 2017. The 2018 model year sees the arrival of the Elantra GT and GT Sport, a pair of hatchbacks aimed at enthusiasts. The Elantra line will get a freshening around 2019 for the 2020 model year.

Sonata: Hyundai's midsize sedan got a freshening for 2018 that's on sale now. It brought new exterior styling, interior refinement and a revamped trim structure. The optional 2.0-liter turbo models now have an eight-speed automatic transmission. A redesign should land in 2019 for the 2020 model year.

Azera: The slow-selling large car has been dropped from Hyundai's U.S. lineup for 2018.

Veloster: The next generation of Hyundai's funky three-door hatch is due soon, likely as a 2019 model. Three variants will be offered: a base, a Veloster Turbo and a new high-performance Veloster N — the first N model to hit the U.S. The base and Turbo models likely will carry over the 1.6-liter four-cylinder while the N should get the same 2.0-liter turbo that makes 271 hp in the i30 N abroad.

Ioniq: Hyundai's dedicated green-car line gains a plug-in hybrid this fall. What comes next will depend on consumer appetites. The next-gen Ioniq line could switch to a crossover body style; Kia's Niro, which shares the Ioniq's underpinnings, is outselling the entire Ioniq line so far this year.

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HYUNDAI

Kona: Crossover replaces Accent hatchback

Kona: New for 2018, this subcompact crossover replaces the Accent hatchback in the U.S. It's powered by a 147-hp, 2.0-liter base engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 175-hp 1.6-liter turbo-four with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox will be optional. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive will be optional. An all-electric Kona has been promised for the Korean market in 2018; bet on that arriving in the U.S. for the 2019 model year with a range of around 250 miles on a charge. A freshening likely would be in 2021 for 2022.

Santa Cruz: Teased in concept form and whispered about by dealers and Hyundai execs for years, the pickup-style Santa Cruz is still "in development." Look for it no earlier than 2019 or 2020. When it does arrive, it will be smaller and have more of an urban emphasis than even Honda's Ridgeline. Power could come from a variety of sources, including a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder (likely turbocharged).

Tucson: Hyundai's popular compact crossover will be freshened for the 2019 model year. A redesign, one that will bring it in line with the new crossover design language that Hyundai introduced on the Kona, is expected in 2021 for the 2022 model year. Between now and then, Hyundai may add a plug-in hybrid version.

Santa Fe Sport: Hyundai's midsize crossover will get a redesign in 2018 for the 2019 model year that brings in styling cues from the Kona. Expect it to grow slightly to create greater differentiation with the Tucson. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder and optional 2.0-liter turbo likely will carry over. A plug-in hybrid iteration could join the fold during this new generation's life span. Look for a freshening in 2021 or 2022.

Santa Fe: Freshened for 2017, Hyundai's larger crossover is due to be redesigned in 2019. It will grow to a true eight-passenger model to bring it more in line with the rest of the industry. Expect Hyundai to shed the Santa Fe name, too (Veracruz, anyone?), to drive home the point that this is much different from the Santa Fe Sport. Hyundai might try to get away with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo as the base engine, but expect a V-6 option as well.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle: The Tucson fuel cell model will be replaced by a new stand-alone crossover in 2018. Look for styling to echo that of the handsome Intrado concept from the 2014 Geneva auto show. Range is expected to be about 360 miles, and pricing will be in the $50,000 to $60,000 neighborhood of Honda's Clarity Fuel Cell and Toyota's Mirai.